Assessing the Damage
Dealing with vehicular vandalism can be an overwhelming experience, especially when your car gets keyed. Not only is it frustrating, but it is also unsightly and can be an expensive repair if not handled promptly. It is important to assess the damage as soon as possible to determine the extent of the problem and the necessary steps you need to take.
The first thing you should do is to walk around your car and examine the scratches. Look closely to see how deep the scratches are and if they have penetrated the clear coat, the paint layer, or even the metal. Small scruffs that haven’t penetrated the surface, or have only scratched the clear coat, are relatively easier and cheaper to repair. However, if the scratches are deep, you may need to consider some significant mechanical intervention to repair all the damages.
Take a closer look at the scratch marks and determine the direction they go. It can give you a clue as to what instrument the perpetrator might have used and the angle of the scratch which helps in identifying the area from which it was caused. If it’s an isolated keying incident, it might implicate someone who was hovered around your car and ran their key across one or more of its surfaces. Likewise, if there are multiple scratches in different areas of your car, it might suggest that someone went out of their way to find all possible areas to damage your car. This may help in determining whether it was a targeted attack or a random act of vandalism.
Once you’ve assessed the damage, use your fingernail to feel the depth of the scratches. If the scratch is not deep enough, it can be repaired using a touch-up paint and some elbow grease. You don’t have to take it to a professional as it can be done yourself. On the other hand, some deeper scratches will require professional assistance. Paint repair may require a complete respray of an entire panel, or it might be possible to use touch-up paint provided by the manufacturer to fill in the scratch. It all depends on the size, depth, and location of the scratch.
Check if the keyed mark is in an easily visible location, such as near a door handle or passenger side. Repairing in visible areas will require more attention and detail to ensure an even finish that matches the surrounding areas. Besides, vandalism to some specific areas, like side mirrors or bumpers, will need more intensive and expensive repairs. Note the dents, chips, corrosion, or other areas of damage that may need repair during the process.
After assessing the damage, document and take pictures of the keyed car, including the positions of the scratches and the surrounding areas. This documentation will be helpful when making a claim to your insurance company or when making a police report. It is also essential to make sure you have comprehensive insurance coverage to help cover the cost of repairs. If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you will have to shoulder the costly repair expenses.
Lastly, keep in mind that the longer it takes to repair the damage, the greater the chances of rust and corrosion building up in the scratched area. Be sure to act promptly and have the damage repaired as soon as possible. By following these steps to assess the damage in your keyed car, you ensure that the necessary repairs will be carried out appropriately, and you protect your car from further harm.
Gathering Materials and Tools
Getting a keyed car can be stressful and disappointing. You might feel violated and angry that someone could do such a thing to your vehicle. But before you give up and consider selling your car or paying a huge sum to the auto repair shop, take a deep breath, and know that you can fix it yourself.
But you need to gather the right materials and tools to make the task easy and successful. Below is a list of what you need to buy or borrow before you start working on your car:
- Paint match kit: The match kit should have identical color paint as your car. You don’t want any discolorations or color mismatch in your fix.
- Sandpaper: Get sandpaper of different grit, ranging from 180 to 2000. You might need coarser grit for sanding scratches on your car’s exterior and a finer one for buffing.
- Buffing tool: An automatic buffer or polishing tool can initially seem like a luxury, but it will save you a lot of time and effort.
- Polishing Compound: Different polishing compounds can give your vehicle a smooth and shiny finish. Ask for recommendations at your local auto parts store.
- Terry towels: You’ll need clean towels for drying, buffing, and cleaning after painting.
- Masking tape: Masking tape will help you cover parts of your vehicle that you don’t want to paint.
- Cleaner and primer: You need a cleaner to remove dirt, oil, grime, and other contaminants on the surface of your vehicle and a primer to help the paint adhere better to your vehicle.
- Gloves and safety glasses: Gloves and safety glasses are essential when working with paint and other chemicals to prevent your skin and eyes from toxins.
Once you have gathered all these materials, it’s time to get started on fixing your keyed car. Ensure that you choose a time to work on your car when the weather is suitable and the area is well ventilated. Work under a shade or a covered area.
After you’ve gathered all your materials and tools and you’ve found the perfect workspace, you’re ready to start working on fixing the damage to your vehicle. With patience, attention to detail, and a little bit of know-how, you’ll have your car looking as good as new in no time!
Filling in the Scratches
If you park your car on the street or in a public parking lot, you never know who might come along and scratch your car. It’s frustrating to come out to your car and find scratch marks all over it, especially if it’s a brand new car. While some scratches can be superficial and can be easily buffed out, others can be deep and require a bit more work. The good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on professional detailing to fix keyed car scratches. Here are some tips on how to fix keyed car scratches yourself.
The first step is to determine the extent of the scratches. If the scratches are minor, you can try filling them in with a paint pen or a touch-up paint. You can find these at auto parts stores or online. However, if the scratches are deep or large, you may need to sand down the affected area and repaint it.
If you’re going to use touch-up paint, make sure you choose a paint that matches the color of your car. You can find your car’s paint code on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual.
Before you start applying the touch-up paint, make sure that the area around the scratch is clean and free of any dirt or debris. If necessary, wash the area with soap and water, rinse it off, and let it dry completely. Then, use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand down the area around the scratch. This will help the touch-up paint adhere to the surface better.
Shake the touch-up paint pen vigorously before use. Then, carefully apply the paint to the scratch, making sure to fill it in completely. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s dry, you may need to apply a few more coats to achieve a smooth finish.
If the scratch is deeper, you may need to sand down the affected area and repaint it. Start by using sandpaper to sand down the scratched area until the scratches are no longer visible. Rinse the area with water and let it dry. Then, apply a primer to the sanded area. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the touch-up paint. Apply a few coats of touch-up paint to the area, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Once the touch-up paint has dried, apply a clear coat to the area to protect the new paint from the elements.
Fixing keyed car scratches can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth the effort if you want to keep your car looking its best. With a little patience and the right tools, you can make your car look like new again.
Buffing and Polishing the Affected Area
If your car has been keyed, it can be a frustrating and upsetting experience. However, it doesn’t have to be an expensive one as well. A small or shallow scratch can be easily repaired in your own driveway. All you need to do is spend some time and a little elbow grease buffing and polishing the affected area. Here are some simple steps you can follow:
Supplies You Will Need:
- Microfiber cloths or a clean, soft rag
- Buffing or polishing compound
- A handheld electric buffer or a rotary buffer
- A steady hand and an eye for detail
Step 1: Clean the Affected Area
The first step in buffing and polishing a keyed car is to clean the affected area thoroughly. Use a microfiber cloth or a clean, soft rag to wipe down the scratch and the surrounding area. This will help remove any grit, dirt, or debris that might get in the way of your efforts. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the scratch.
Step 2: Apply the Buffing or Polishing Compound
Once the area is clean, it’s time to apply the buffing or polishing compound. You can find these products at most auto parts stores or online retailers. They are designed to help remove shallow scratches and restore the shine to the paint. Use a fresh, clean microfiber cloth to apply the compound to the affected area. Work in small sections and use a circular motion to apply the compound evenly.
Step 3: Buff and Polish the Area
With the compound applied, it’s time to start buffing and polishing the affected area. You can do this by hand, but it’s much easier and more effective to use a handheld electric buffer or a rotary buffer. These tools are designed to help you apply even pressure and achieve a consistent finish. Use a low-speed setting and work in small sections. Move the buffer in a circular motion, applying gentle pressure as you work. Be patient and take your time, as the process can take a while.
Step 4: Inspect the Area and Repeat if Necessary
Once you’ve buffed and polished the area, it’s time to inspect your work. Check to see if the scratch is still visible or if the shine has been restored. If the scratch is still visible, you may need to repeat the process again. Use a fresh microfiber cloth and apply more buffing or polishing compound to the area. Keep working in small sections until you achieve the desired result.
In conclusion, buffing and polishing a keyed car can be a time-consuming process, but the results are worth the effort. With a little patience and the right tools, you can restore the shine to your car’s paint and remove those unsightly scratches. Remember to always take your time and work carefully, as rushing the process can lead to uneven or unsatisfactory results. Happy detailing!
Preventing Future Keying Incidents
Getting your car keyed is a frustrating and upsetting experience. Not only does it damage the appearance of your vehicle, but it can also be costly to repair. However, there are several steps you can take to prevent future keying incidents from occurring. In this section, we will explore five strategies you can use to protect your car from vandals.
1. Park in Well-lit Areas
One of the most effective ways to prevent your car from being keyed is to park in well-lit areas. Vandals are more likely to target vehicles that are parked in dark, isolated locations where they are less likely to be seen. By parking your car under a streetlight or in a busy area, you make it more difficult for someone to vandalize your vehicle undetected.
2. Use a Car Cover
If you frequently park your car in the same location, using a car cover can be an effective way to protect your vehicle from keying. This not only conceals your car’s appearance but also makes it more difficult for someone to access the surface of your car. Additionally, car covers are available in a range of materials that can protect against different types of damage, including scratches.
3. Install a Security Camera
If you have a private parking spot or garage and have experienced keying incidents in the past, installing a security camera system may be the solution for you. Security cameras can be an effective way to deter potential vandals while also recording evidence of the incident that can be used to identify and prosecute them. Place the cameras in strategic areas where they can capture all the view of your car from different angles.
4. Use Deterrents
There are several products on the market designed to deter vandals from targeting your car. For example, you can purchase decals that warn potential vandals that your car is equipped with a GPS tracking system. While this may not protect your car from keying outright, it may discourage vandals from targeting your car in the first place. Additionally, you may want to install a car alarm system that will sound when the car is touched, which can alert residents or law enforcement agencies and deter the vandals.
5. Build Relationships with Your Neighbors
Building a good relationship with the people who live near you can be an effective way to protect your car from keying. By getting to know your neighbors, you can take turns watching each other’s vehicles, discuss any suspicious activity in the area, and report any suspicious behavior to the police. This kind of cooperation is not only helpful in protecting your vehicle, but can also lead to a more harmonious living environment for everyone in the area.
Getting your car keyed is a terrible experience, but by taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of it happening again. Remember, prevention is always the best solution.
